A year after two bombs exploded at the finish line, groups all along the Boston Marathon route are planning special events and working around tightened security to turn the course into a celebration of the region’s strength, determination, and courage.

As people from Hopkinton to Brookline emphasized in interviews, “This isn’t just another marathon.”

There will be large ribbons affixed to fences along the route with handwritten reflections, gathered by sophomore Presidential Scholars at Boston College.

And there should be a sea of yellow daffodils, more than 100,000 newly planted bulbs along the entire course that are expected to bloom in time for the race April 21.

And make no mistake, there will be an added police presence and security, whether noticed or not.